Mozambique: Chapo Sworn In As President

Daniel Chapo of Mozambique’s long-ruling Frelimo party has been sworn in as president of the country.

Taking the oath in front of a group of approximately 1,500 supporters on Wednesday, Chapo promised to protect democracy and human rights. Meanwhile, an NGO estimated that more than 300 people have been killed during protests claiming election fraud.

Speaking at a sparsely attended ceremony, Chapo, largely unknown before the election last October, promised “to devote” all his “energies to defending, promoting and consolidating national unity, human rights, democracy and the wellbeing of the Mozambican people.”

The 48-year-old also pledged to shrink the size of the government by reducing the number of ministries, tackling youth unemployment, and prioritising health and education.

The city centre was largely deserted, but security forces blocked roads throughout Maputo and around Independence Square, where the swearing-in was held.

Cyril Ramaphosa, president of neighbouring South Africa, was one of the few heads of state attending the inauguration.

Al jazeera/Shakirat Sadiq